Idea Book: ACE Int’l finalist, Zest Cozinha Creativa

The Achievement in Catering & Events (ACE) awards honor those who have worked tirelessly to keep their clients thrilled and their companies on the cutting edge. Each year, caterers and event planners from around the globe submit their best work from the past year in hopes of being recognized as the best in the industry. Catersource’s annual awards show, also including the ICA CATIE awards, took place in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace on February 19, 2018.

Each company submitted two events for ACE consideration. Here is a look at the two events that elevated Zest Cozinha Creativa's entry in the category of International.

ONE: CZ Wedding Boutique

In all of Brazil, Zest Cozinha Creativa was one of just four catering companies chosen to show the newest 2018 trends at the Constance Zahn Bridal Show in September 2017.

With 50 other wedding vendors covering all aspects of weddings, the CZWB was set up like “a fancy department store,” said Gabrielle Arantes, Zest’s marketing director, in which “couples could walk through the corners having a unique bridal experience.”

Guests could experience Zest’s full menu, made to order by chef Juliano Cordeiro, serving the guests himself during this three day event. “He chose to present preparations that could delight and surprise all guests such as Morrocan Lamb Papillote and the Swiss Raclette served one by one with plenty of sides to choose from,” said Arrantes.

During the three days, the company had the opportunity to serve and network with over 800 people a day.

Photos courtesy of the caterer

Classic Profiterole filled with ice cream and served with a choice of warm Belgian chocolate or caramel toffee

Food station array

Swiss raclette

Belgian dark chocolate, raspberry and pistachio di bronte ice cream

Moroccan spice roasted lamb papillote with zucchini and feta

The raclette station also offered prosciutto wrapped and roasted figs with port wine reduction and assorted compotes

TWO: Sweet 15 Party Carnevale di Venezia & Masks Ball

“This event,” said Gabrielle Arantes, “was a very special occasion, full of meanings and challenges.” The event—for a 15-year old birthday girl who wanted an Italian Party inspired by Venice Carnival/Masked Balls/Italian flair with all the details from decor to menu—was built into the theme of Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy.

That were several challenges, but the biggest one was to create a menu that honored the Italian culture, while at the same time employing a modern twist in, “an elegant and cool way in order to delight all guests—teenagers, family, and friends,” said Arantes. To that end, “We had three different stations, passed hors d’oeuvre, a teen’s menu, and late night snacks.”

Photos courtesy of the caterer except where noted

Italian food station. Photo Eduardo Federice

Passed items for teen with designer logos emblazoned

Photo courtesy of decor company

More teen menu packaging

The "Grand Canal" pizza station

Sumptuous dessert station

Click here for information about Catersource and the Art of Catering Food 2019. Registration opens mid-September!